“We are not in a capacity to approve the negotiating framework for North Macedonia as yet,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva said at a briefing.
In her words, the Macedonian side systematically violates the good-neighbour agreement, barriers are being created impeding Bulgarian investments, no steps are being taken to address hate speech.
“The position of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and of the Bulgarian government is a position of good will, but no compromises leading to anti-Bulgarian campaigning will be tolerated. It would be difficult for the entire European Union if we have open issues. There are such examples at the moment, and they are not pleasant,” she said.
In Ekaterina Zaharieva’s words there is still a chance of achieving agreement on the negotiating framework. “Time is running out but the fact that the German Presidency of the Council of the EU is committed to the process gives positive indications. It would be to the detriment, most of all of Skopje, if they do not wish to fit into the defined framework,” Minister Zaharieva said.
North Macedonia and Bulgaria must iron out their differences by 10 November when a meeting of the foreign ministers of the EU countries is scheduled at which the negotiating framework is to be approved.
The fourth O-Salted Fish Festival is being held today at Kulata Square in the seaside resort of Sozopol. The event marks the opening of the town's Christmas market. Participants in the Best Salted Fish competition will be judged in five categories -..
The Pamporovo ski resort in the Rhodope Mountains opens its 2024/2025 winter season today. Tourism Minister Evtim Miloshev is expected to attend the official ceremony at Studenets Square. The opening comes just one day before the Bulgarian University..
On Saturday, minimum temperatures will range from 2 to 7°C, in Sofia - 2°C. Snow will fall in north-western Bulgaria and in the mountains. There will be blizzard conditions on the mountain passes. Rain will fall in central and eastern Bulgaria, with..
Hundreds of customers in Greece have reported fraudulent deliveries of parcels they never ordered. Upon investigation, the authorities discovered that..
Pensioners whose monthly pension is below the poverty line of 526 leva (EUR 269) will receive a Christmas bonus of 100 leva (EUR 50), said caretaker..
The decision to scrap Schengen border checks by land for Bulgaria and Romania has been included as the first item on the agenda of the EU Justice and..
+359 2 9336 661